The Shaw Family: Basketball Champs and Pioneers in Prioritizing Faith on the Court

GCU men’s basketball team sees value in the intersection of Christianity and sports

In 2024, the Shaw family was in high spirits as both Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Baylor University made it to the Men’s NCAA Tournament. The GCU team, coached by Bryce Drew, secured a victory in the first round, marking their first tournament win since moving up to Division I in 2013. Meanwhile, at Baylor, Scott Drew cultivated a culture of joy within the basketball team that revolved around putting Jesus first and prioritizing others.

The Shaw family is deeply rooted in their Christian beliefs and has been closely tied to Christianity for generations. Casey and Dana Shaw have instilled these values in their four children, who are all involved in sports. In fact, brothers Isaiah and Caleb play on the basketball team coached by their uncle Bryce Drew at GCU. Both families are committed to incorporating biblical principles into their coaching philosophies.

Casey Shaw believes that this approach helps build strong and healthy programs that prioritize teamwork, selflessness, and unity. Paul Putz from Baylor’s Faith and Sports Institute acknowledges the impact of Drew’s coaching style on building successful and cohesive teams. He emphasizes the importance of faith-based principles in creating an environment where players can prioritize their spiritual life alongside their athletic pursuits.

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